Baltimore County Fights Trafficking: Free Webinar Series
Human trafficking is a significant public health issue that is often misunderstood. Beginning in January during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Human Trafficking Work Group will be offering "Baltimore County Fights Trafficking"—an introductory, four-part webinar series intended to empower and educate County residents by raising awareness and teaching about the realities of this crime. This educational series will conclude with a panel discussion, providing attendees an opportunity to ask questions directly to the County’s leading experts.
Topics
The series is open to all community members but is not intended for children due to the mature subject matter. Attendees will learn about:
- The impact of human trafficking
- How to identify potential victims (signs, recruitment tactics, etc.)
- Preventative measures
- How you can make a difference in the County
Webinar Schedule
Learn more about each webinar below. Webinars will be presented via Zoom in English, with Spanish translation available.
- The Truth About Trafficking (Part 1)
- Tuesday January 26 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Understanding the Trafficking of Children (Part 2)
- Tuesday February 23 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Addressing the Complex Needs of Survivors (Part 3)
- Tuesday March 23 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- Ask the Experts: A Community Forum (Part 4)
- Tuesday April 27 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Partners
The series will be presented in partnership with the Maryland Departments of Juvenile Services and Human Services, Baltimore County Public Schools, GBMC Healthcare, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office, TurnAround and CASA of Baltimore County.
COVID-19 Resources
The Human Trafficking Work Group remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of all County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are important in decreasing the spread of this virus but can have devastating effects on certain residents. Pandemics can cause a dramatic rise in domestic violence, and increased vulnerabilities and risks of human trafficking. Survivors of human trafficking may experience unique difficulties and become triggered during this time. Several organizations and resources are available to assist residents.
Contact the County about the following:
- For emergencies, call 911.
- For non-emergencies, call 410-887-2222.
- If you are unable to call, email iwatch@baltimorecountymd.gov.
- Children, Adult and Family Protective Services—For suspected child abuse, neglect or trafficking, call 410-887-TIME (8463).
- Sexual Assault Investigations
- Domestic Violence Referrals
- Child Advocacy Center
Watch Baltimore County’s Police Chief Melissa Hyatt’s public service announcement video regarding COVID-19 and its impact on abusive relationships and violence.
Additional Resources
The following resources provide free, confidential, 24/7 assistance:
- Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s (GBMC) SAFE Program offers medical-forensic and advocacy services to victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse and human trafficking. Patients with no emergent medical needs can now enter the hospital directly through the private SAFE suite. Police involvement is not required to receive medical-forensic services.
Contact: Call 443-849-3323. For after-hours assistance, call 443-849-2226 and request a call back from a forensic nurse. - The National Human Trafficking Hotline can receive tips and connect victims of trafficking with life-saving resources and services.
Contact: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). - TurnAround can assist victims of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and trafficking.
Contact: Call 410-377-8111 or call the 24/7 emergency helpline at 443-279-0379. - The Family Tree parenting helpline can provide parenting tips, assistance during a family crisis and access to community resources.
Contact: Call 1-800-243-7337. - The Family Crisis Center (FCC) of Baltimore County helps families move forward from domestic violence by connecting people to resources, developing capacity and providing support. They offer emergency safe shelter and advocacy services for victims, groups for perpetrators of violence, counseling and family-centered coaching for individuals and families, educational and skills groups, parenting groups, community and outreach. The FCC’s Domestic and Sexual Assault Hotline offers resource and referrals, assistance with domestic violence and sexual assault for crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and referrals.
Contact: Call 410-828-6390.
Mission
This cross-functional work group addresses the complex issue of human trafficking in coordination with the County’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The Work Group will take a victim-centered approach as they work to reduce trafficking and protect victims by providing them with the resources they need in partnership with a variety of organizations, including non-and regional counterparts across the state. The multidisciplinary team of professionals on the Baltimore County Human Trafficking Work Group is dedicated to the prevention and reduction of human trafficking by:
- Improving public awareness and victim identification
- Linking victims and survivors to quality, trauma-informed, comprehensive resources
- Developing a collaborative, victim-centered response to human trafficking throughout Baltimore County
Membership
The Baltimore County Human Trafficking Work Group is comprised of a team of professionals and individuals from the Commission for Women as well as representatives from law enforcement, education, social services, and health and legal fields. Individual members must be Baltimore County residents or represent organizations located in Baltimore County or serving Baltimore County residents, with a proven history and involvement in public advocacy. The Chair of the CJCC approves the membership of the Work Group. The Work Group also selects a member (Chair) to be a permanent member of the CJCC.
| Name | Organization and Role |
|---|---|
| Ashley McAree, MSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A—Co-Chair | Greater Baltimore Medical Center—Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program, Forensic Nurse |
| Milana Vayner—Co-Chair | Office of Law—Assistant County Attorney |
| Jennifer Stine, LMSW—Secretary | Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Baltimore County, Inc., Executive Director |
| Carmen Christiana—Special Liaison | Outreach Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Office of the County Executive |
| Stacy Amparo | State’s Attorney’s Office—Assistant State’s Attorney |
| Rosalyn Berkowitz | Commission for Women—Commissioner |
| Detective David Blackburn | Baltimore County Police Department—VICE Narcotics Unit |
| Kimberly Ferguson | Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)—Student Support Services, Director |
| Mat Fonseca | Department of Juvenile Services |
| Michael L. Ford, Ed. D. | BCPS—School Safety Manager (West Zone) |
| Amanda Rodriguez | Executive Director, Turn Around |
| Dr. Brenda Savoy | Commission for Women—Commissioner |
| Krista Trahan, LCSW-C | Health and Human Services, Social Services—Program Manager SATP/Co-Director CAC |
| Kelly Truax | GBMC SAFE, Community Outreach Coordinator |
| David Williams, DDS, MS, MPH | Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and Co-Founder Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness (Mid-Atlantic PANDA) |
| Dr. Joyce P. Williams | Stevenson University, Adjunct Professor Graduate and Professional Studies, Nursing |
The CJCC provides coordinated leadership:
- To establish cohesive criminal justice strategies, policies and programs
- Identifies deficiencies
- Formulates policy, plans and programs for improvement
- Collaborate to maximize resources and raise funds to support criminal justice programs
Meetings
The Work Group meets every second Tuesday of alternating months. (Meetings began May 8, 2018.) Subcommittee meetings may be requested by the Chair or Committee Chairs as frequently as required to perform its duties.
2020
The meeting documents links below are PDFs that open in a new window.
| Date and Time | Location | Meeting Documents |
|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2019 8:30 a.m. | Historic Courthouse Executive Conference Room 400 Washington Avenue Towson, Maryland 21204 | |
| May 14, 2019 8:30 a.m. | Historic Courthouse Executive Conference Room 400 Washington Avenue Towson, Maryland 21204 | |
| Feb 11 | Virtual meeting via Webex | |
| May 12 | Virtual meeting via Webex | |
| September 9 | Virtual meeting via Webex | |
| December 8 | Virtual meeting via Webex |
Quorum
A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and an affirmative vote of the majority of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action.
Staff Assistance
Staff assistance shall be provided by the Baltimore County Executive Office.
Additional Information
More information about human trafficking is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at 1-888-373-7888, where you can learn about the types and signs of human trafficking. If someone suspects human trafficking activity in Baltimore County, they are advised to call 911 to report their concerns.